Cult Clit Collective at the Box Theatre

A performance in UCKAR’s Box Theatre challenged the fact that some injustices womxn are facing are not discussed enough. While there are many discussions about the injustices experienced by womxn all over South Africa, many still remain controversial and are only discussed behind closed doors. In honour of Women’s Day, Cult Clit – directed by Mmatumisang Motsisi – was shown free of charge to students after its successful run in this year’s National Arts Festival.

Cult Clit is the story of six womxn of colour – played by Nthatisi Mashike, Upile uThixo Bongco, Uvile Ximba, Shaurissa Borchard, Lethica Nair, and Yolanda Soji – whose lives intersect after suffering traumatic situations because of their race and gender. They come together and form a ‘gang’ in which they share their lived experiences and avenge each other as ‘sisters in arms’ against a justice system that has failed them.

The play addressed many controversial issues faced by womxn in South Africa through the use of satire. These issues included the stigmatisation and repression of black female sexuality, domestic violence, perpetrator favour in the justice system, and female genital mutilation.

With each member of the cast portraying multiple characters, they shifted effortlessly from character to character without causing confusion for the audience. The chemistry between the cast members was undeniable, making it difficult at times to remember that it was a performance and not reality. The use of physical theatre and choreography by Georgina Makhubele also strengthened the unity and solidarity of the characters in the play.

Cult Clit’s successful run at the National Arts Festival 2017 awarded the performance the Student Theatre Award for Best Original Work; and Best Stage Manager was won by Manoko Tlhako.

There were no empty seats in the theatre on the day of this performance. Its success during the National Arts Festival is completely justifiable. The cast members portray power in being womxn, through all the injustice that has been thrown at them. Their performance earned a standing ovation and tumultuous applause, proving that womxn empowerment was heavily influenced through drama students and their devotion to their art.